A method for analyzing data from a database using an analytic database function includes receiving a selection of measured items from a user, receiving a placement item from the user, and determining a partitioning of the selection of measured items from the placement item. A placement item can be a column, a row, or an axis. A template associated with the analytic database function is adapted to define at least one partitioning relative to the placement item. The template is further adapted to define an ordering parameter for the analytic database function and optionally an aggregation level for the analytic database function. A database query is created with the partitioning. The database query can be an SQL statement.